Shortly after 6:00 this evening, it was raining in almost every county over the west half of Alabama.
It was pouring rain in the West Alabama counties of Lamar, Fayette, Marion and Pickens and moderate to heavy rain had spread over Tuscaloosa County and was approaching Birmingham. By far, the worst weather is in a line of thunderstorms that extends from near Greensboro in South Hale County southward to North Mobile County. NWS in Mobile has issued several Severe Thunderstorm Warnings as that line moved through. We do not have any reports of major damage.
A Tornado Watch continues until 11:00 p.m. for extreme South Alabama and part of NW Florida.
Even where there is no severe thunderstorm activity, the winds are howling tonight because of the storm system approaching from the west. There will be frequent gusts to between 30 and 35 mph and maybe some higher. A Lake Wind Advisory continues until 4:00 tomorrow morning.
But you don’t have to be on a lake to feel the effect of the wind. High profile vehicles will be affected and a sudden gust means you should pay closer attention to driving. A cold front will reach the area after midnight and the wind will slowly subside somewhat before daybreak.
SPOT REPORTS
39 Muscle Shoals, light rain, east wind gusting to 24, 1/2 inch of rain so far
37 Haleyville, heavy rain, wind east gusting to 20, rain amount 0.39 so far
45 Tuscaloosa, steady rain, brisk NW wind, almost 1/2 inch of rain
47 Birmingham, cloudy, but heavy rain approaching, SE wind gusts to 30
44 Anniston, cloudy, east wind gusting to 21
51 Marion (Perry County), thunderstorm in progress
